US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Iran has developed missiles with the ability to reach deep into Europe. Rubio, in an interview with Fox News, highlighted recent missile launches by Iran that showcased capabilities previously denied by its leadership. He emphasized the global threat posed by Iran’s weapons program, mentioning that these missiles could potentially target Europe and even the United States.
Rubio linked Iran’s missile program to its nuclear ambitions, emphasizing the need to address both issues simultaneously. He pointed out that Iran had enriched uranium to 60% purity, a step away from weapons-grade levels. Rubio stressed that such high levels of enrichment serve no civilian purpose and accused Iran of refusing to relinquish its uranium stockpile.
The US has initiated a military campaign to counter Iran’s nuclear program shielded by advanced weapons systems. Rubio outlined the objectives of this operation, including destroying Iran’s air force and navy, degrading missile launchers, and dismantling factories producing drones and missiles. He expressed confidence in the progress of the campaign, stating that US forces are close to achieving their intended goals.
Despite the military actions, Rubio mentioned that the US remains open to diplomatic negotiations. He highlighted the preference for negotiations over war by the President and indicated ongoing communication channels for potential direct talks. However, he cautioned that military objectives would not be delayed by negotiations, accusing Iran of using diplomatic efforts as a stalling tactic.
Regarding maritime security, Rubio warned against any Iranian attempts to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that such actions would violate international law and have severe consequences on the global economy. Rubio stressed the importance of maintaining security in the region for countries reliant on energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz.
